Many production systems in the glass industry have delivered reliable performance for decades, but evolving demands call for higher productivity, greater energy efficiency, and increased production flexibility. While high capital expenditures and an increasingly volatile market environment often limit investments in entirely new production lines, many glass manufacturers are focusing on cost-effective ways to enhance their existing facilities. Grenzebach addresses this need with comprehensive retrofit, upgrade, and digitalization solutions.

At glasstec 2026, Grenzebach will demonstrate how existing flat glass produc-tion lines can be economically adapted to evolving market requirements while sustainably improving plant availability and operational performance. Under the motto “Boost your Performance—Modernize. Optimize. Reach the Next Level of Glass Production.”, the company will showcase solutions for the step-by-step optimization of flat glass production, from the hot end through to the cold end.

Grenzebach’s trade fair appearance will focus on retrofit and upgrade concepts that enable manufacturers to enhance the performance of existing production lines without the need for large-scale replacement investments.

“Many manufacturers face the challenge of adapting their existing facilities with-out investing in entirely new production lines. This is exactly where our retrofit, upgrade, and digitalization solutions come in. They are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing production processes,” says Florian Nagler, SVP Sales Glass, Grenzebach Group.

Highlights of the Trade Show Presentation

• Production expansion with stacker cells—without production down-time 

One of the key highlights is the expansion of existing stacking systems. Addi-tional stacker cells enable glass manufacturers to accommodate new glass formats while increasing stacking capacity. Automated side lines reduce manual handling and improve overall manufacturing efficiency.

Visitors will see a stacker designed for large-format flat glass, demonstrating how movement sequences can dynamically adapt to actual production flow conditions. This approach ensures smooth material handling while reducing mechanical stress on equipment. In addition, modular control and drive tech-nology upgrade kits support the gradual modernization of existing production assets.

• Coater-handling solutions

For coating lines, Grenzebach provides end-to-end coater handling solutions covering feeding, stacking, and material transport outside the coater. These systems are tailored to process requirements and cycle times, ensuring reliable material flow and efficient plant operation throughout the coating process.

• SERICY.GBS: transforming production data into actionable optimizations

Transparent production data forms the general basis for efficient and competi-tive glass manufacturing. With SERICY.GBS, Grenzebach consolidates pro-duction, quality, and equipment data within a single platform. This enables manufacturers to identify optimization opportunities at an early stage, analyze quality deviations more quickly, and continuously improve production processes.

• Annealing lehr modernization reduces energy loss and stabilizes processes

With rising energy costs and increasing sustainability requirements, moderni-zation in the hot end is becoming increasingly important. Grenzebach will demonstrate how targeted upgrades to the RET and F zones of an annealing lehr can significantly improve cooling efficiency. The result is lower energy consumption, enhanced process stability, and improved operational performance.

• Expanded hot-end service portfolio

With the integration of the New Hudson service portfolio, Grenzebach has expanded its range of hot-end services and spare parts for dross box and annealing lehrs. The offering includes roller refurbishment services as well as an in-situ cleaning process for removing deposits. Cleaning equipment and trained service personnel are available worldwide to support customer opera-tions.

• Precise cutting processes for higher yield

A further improved cutting technology combined with the integration of the Cut Optimizer into the SERICY Glass Business Suite enables more precise cut-ting operations and improved yield. Manufacturers can meet production re-quirements more precisely while reducing material waste and maximizing resource utilization.

At glasstec 2026, Grenzebach will demonstrate how existing production lines can be upgraded economically and strategically for future market demands. In-dustry professionals visiting Booth C43 in Hall 15 will have the opportunity to discuss tailored modernization concepts with Grenzebach experts and explore individual solutions for advancing their glass manufacturing operations.

At Booth C43 in Hall 15, Grenzebach will showcase solutions for enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and plant availability across the glass production line under the motto “Boost your performance—Modernize. Optimize. Reach the next level of glass production.”

Grenzebach’s exhibits for stacking and cutting demonstrate how existing glass production lines can be economically expanded and optimized to operate more efficiently. 
 

About  Glass Process Technology at Grenzebach 
Grenzebach supplies plants for the production and further processing of industrial flat glass and has a wealth of experience with over 300 plants installed. Our industry experience is also rooted in the know-how of CNUD EFCO and GFT, which became part of Grenzebach Group in 2019. Thus, Grenzebach covers a large part of a glass production line: from tin bath to annealing lehr to cold end to transporting the final product to the warehouse. Grenzebach regards itself as a reliable partner that accompanies its customers throughout the entire product lifecycle—customers benefit in many ways from its comprehensive expertise in the hot and cold areas.

About Grenzebach
Grenzebach is a leading industrial automation solution provider for the global glass and building materials markets. In addition, the company is active in other business areas, including casting, power and energy, intralogistics, various recycling processes, friction stir welding, the automation of industrial additive manufacturing, and digital networking. Grenzebach ranks among the international technology leaders in its markets. The global manufacturing footprint, with production sites in Germany, Romania, the US, India, and China, as well as additional worldwide locations, ensures on-site customer support. More than 3,000 systems, installed in over 55 countries, stand for quality and reliability. Since the company opened its doors over 65 years ago, it has remained in the hands of the founding family. With an export ratio of more than 90 percent, Grenzebach is a global player.